The club confirmed Walcott will have surgery in London in the near future and is expected to be on the sidelines for a lengthy period as a result of the problem sustained in the 2-0 FA Cup third-round win over Tottenham at the weekend.

The club posted on its website: "Everyone at Arsenal wishes Theo a speedy recovery and we look forward to seeing him back on a football pitch as soon as possible."

It follows the news earlier in the day that Walcott would not be punished by England's Football Association for taunting Tottenham fans during his team's 2-0 win in the FA Cup on Saturday.

As he was being taken off on a stretcher with a knee injury, Walcott signaled the 2-0 score with his fingers to the Tottenham supporters, who pelted the England international and the medics carrying him with coins and bottles.

The FA says in a statement released Monday that it has contacted Walcott "and reminded him of his responsibilities regarding a 'scoreline' gesture he made," but will not be taking any further disciplinary action.

The governing body also says it has contacted the north London clubs to seek their observations in relation to objects being thrown from both sets of fans during the game.